Major updates have emerged for government job aspirants across Odisha! An official reply under the Right to Information (RTI) Act from the Home Department, Government of Odisha has confirmed that the process to recruit Assistant Section Officers (ASO) in the Odisha Secretariat Service (OSS) Cadre has reached an advanced stage.
According to the official RTI document (Letter No. 28724 /OSS, dated 07.08.2026), out of 362 total vacant ASO positions, the Home Department has officially submitted a requisition to the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) to fill 340 vacant ASO posts.
This indicates that OPSC is expected to publish the official notification for the upcoming Odisha Secretariat ASO Recruitment drive soon. Below are the complete details on the category-wise vacancy breakdown, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and official RTI findings.
OPSC ASO Recruitment 2026: Key Overview
| Feature Parameter | Official Details (RTI Disclosure) |
| Department Name | Home Department, Govt. of Odisha |
| Cadre / Service | Odisha Secretariat Service (OSS) Cadre |
| Recruitment Body | Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) |
| Total Sanctioned Strength | 1,499 Posts |
| Total Vacant Posts | 362 Posts |
| Requisition Sent to OPSC | 340 Vacant Posts |
| RTI Letter Date | 07th August 2026 |
(Seeking other high-paying administrative career paths in the state? Read our complete guide on the Top 10 High-Paying Government Jobs in Odisha After Graduation).
Detailed RTI Vacancy Breakdown
The official letter issued by the Deputy Secretary to Government-cum-PIO, Home Department, reveals the exact cadre strength and category-wise vacancy status:
OSS Cadre ASO Vacancy Status
Category-Wise Vacancy Split
- Unreserved (UR) 154
- SEBC 39
- Scheduled Caste (SC) 86
- Scheduled Tribe (ST) 83
Requisition Submitted Status
- Requisitioned to OPSC 340
- Pending / Pipeline 22
Category-Wise Distribution Table
| Category | Total Vacancies Available | Requisitioned to OPSC |
| Unreserved (UR) | 154 | Included in 340 Posts |
| SEBC | 39 | Included in 340 Posts |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 86 | Included in 340 Posts |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 83 | Included in 340 Posts |
| TOTAL | 362 Posts | 340 Posts |
📌 Key Takeaway: Out of 362 total vacancies, 340 posts have already been requisitioned to OPSC for direct recruitment. The remaining 22 posts may be processed under subsequent promotions or administrative adjustments.
Expected Eligibility Criteria for Odisha ASO
To be eligible for the upcoming OPSC Secretariat ASO examination, candidates must fulfill the following standard requirements:
1. Educational Qualification
- Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree (+3 Graduation) in Arts, Science, Commerce, or equivalent discipline from a recognized University.
- Must possess basic computer application knowledge.
2. Age Limit (As per Standard OPSC Rules)
- Minimum Age: 21 Years.
- Maximum Age: 38 Years (Standard upper age relaxation of 5 years applies for SC, ST, SEBC, Women, and Ex-Servicemen, and 10 years for PwD candidates).
3. Language Proficiency
- Must be able to speak, read, and write Odia fluently.
- Must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or ME Standard with Odia as a language subject.
(If you are preparing for administrative services, also review our comprehensive guide on the OES Exam Preparation Strategy & Syllabus Breakdown).
OPSC ASO Exam Pattern & Selection Scheme
Selection for the Assistant Section Officer post in the Odisha Secretariat Service is conducted through a multi-stage competitive examination by OPSC:
- Written Examination (Objective MCQs):
- Paper-I: General Awareness & Test of Reasoning / Mental Ability.
- Paper-II: Mathematics (10th Standard level).
- Paper-III: Language Test (English and Odia).
- Skill Test in Computer Applications (Practical): A qualifying practical test evaluating MS Office, internet usage, and computer operations.
(Need a quiet, focused environment to prepare for competitive written exams? Find study hubs in our guide to the Best Free Libraries and Reading Rooms in Bhubaneswar).
Related Government Job Notifications on LearnOdisha
Stay updated with other major ongoing recruitment drives across Odisha:
- OSSSC CRE 2026 Mega Update: Vacancies Increased to 6,530 Posts
- OPSC AEE Civil Recruitment 2026 Notification & Syllabus
- Top 10 Government Jobs in Odisha After 12th
- Government Jobs After 10th in Odisha
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many ASO posts have been requisitioned to OPSC in 2026?
According to the official RTI response dated 07.08.2026, the Home Department has sent a requisition to OPSC for 340 vacant Assistant Section Officer (ASO) posts.
What is the total sanctioned strength of ASOs in the Odisha Secretariat Service?
The total sanctioned strength of ASOs in the OSS Cadre is 1,499 posts.
What is the minimum educational qualification for OPSC ASO?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree (+3 Graduation) in any discipline from a recognized University along with basic computer knowledge.
When will OPSC release the official ASO 2026 advertisement?
Since the Home Department has officially submitted the requisition to OPSC, the detailed advertisement is expected to be published on opsc.gov.in soon.
